Roasted Garlic Tomato Salsa – Recipe

This recipe is as close as I’ve gotten to making salsa at home that tastes like the stuff at my second favorite mexican food joint. It takes a little time, but it’s worth it. Since most of the time isn’t actual work time (you just ignore the tomatoes and garlic for 2 hours) it’s very easy to make.

Roasting the tomatoes and garlic intensifies the flavors and makes everything a little sweeter.

This freezes well if you actually have leftovers.

For those with food sensitivities, this is an ONION FREE salsa. That’s kind of a big deal if you know someone who can not eat onions.

(printer friendly recipe at the bottom — new feature for me to use)

Photo step by step to make roasted garlic tomato salsa

I started with fresh vine ripe tomatoes, any size will do.

I cleaned them, cut them in half, and added some garlic cloves. Then I put them in a roasting pan

Then I drizzled some olive oil on them.

And I sprinkled them with some kosher salt.

I popped them in a warm oven (300) for about 2 hours and just ignored them. They could have roasted longer, but I was in a hurry.

Then I tossed a bunch of stuff in the food processor… roasted tomatoes and garlic, fresh cilantro, and fresh chile. I used one whole Serrano this time, but jalapenos would work too. (Start with only part of your cilantro and peppers. You can add more to taste if you need to.)

This would be a good time to give you a safety hint. If you are cleaning chili peppers, do NOT change a diaper. Please don’t ask me how I know this.

I processed the salsa until it had a smooth consistency like you get at restaurants. Obviously, if you like yours chunky, don’t leave it in the food processor as long.

Place roasted tomatoes and garlic in food processor with cilantro, jalapeno, and salt. Process until chunky.

Taste, add salt as needed.

Notes

Start with only part of the cilantro and jalapeno in the salsa. You can add more if you like it, but it's hard to remove once you add it in.
Salt to taste.
You could roast several jalapenos in with tomatoes if you prefer.
This recipe freezes well.

I have a passion for encouraging weary worn out mothers to find joy in everyday motherhood and peace in unlikely places. I have two elementary school boys, one nerdy husband, and two cats. I have a strange fascination for bad puns, the color pink, socks, and books. I worry about running out of toilet paper, wine, and chocolate.. I serve an amazing God. I live an ordinary life filled with wonder.